Merida Trip Overview
Explore the archeological site of Mayapan. These Mayan ruins are considered the last Mayan capital of the postclassic era Then refresh yourself in the cool fresh water of a beautiful cenote.
Additional Info
Duration: 5 hours
Starts: Merida, Mexico
Trip Category: Shore Excursions >> Ports of Call Tours
Explore Merida Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
Explore the archeological site of Mayapan. These Mayan ruins are considered the last Mayan capital of the postclassic era Then refresh yourself in the cool fresh water of a beautiful cenote.
Spend your day learning about ancient Mayan culture at the Ruins of Mayapan. Afterward, adventure deep into the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula while you explore the Nay Yah Cenote, a freshwater pool that you can swim in. Explore the temples and ruins of the ancient capital of the Mayans with the knowledge of your local guide, and then head down a wooden staircase into the center of a cenote to refresh yourself in the cool fresh water.
Once your ship had docked in Progresso, you will take the free shuttle down the pier to the city. The guide will meet you right outside of the terminal. Your guide will take you to your comfortable air-conditioned transportation, sit back and relax as you drive through the Yucatan towards your first stop, the Mayapan Mayan Ruins, which is about an hour’s ride from the city.
Upon your arrival at Mayapan, you will first notice the 5.65 mile (9.1 km) long wall surrounding the site, this is arguably the largest defense wall found anywhere in Mesoamerica. Evidence that Anthropologists have uncovered at the site suggest that Mayapan was once the capital of Mayans during the Late Post-Classic period. Your knowledgeable guide will show you all of the most important buildings in the center of the site, from the largest pyramid the Temple of Kukulcan and around the ceremonial center which oratories, colonnaded halls, temples, sanctuaries, shrines, platforms and altars. It has been estimated a population of around 12,000 once lived inside the walled city. After about 45 minutes you will have seen all the best sites and will return to your transportation to head off towards your next stop, Nah Yah cenote. After a quick 15-minute ride in the comfort of your air-conditioned transportation, you will have arrived at Nah Yah.
Disembark and find yourself surrounded by jungle, follow your guide to a wooden staircase that descends into an opening in the ground. As you climb 27 feet (9 meters) down and your eyes adjust, you will see the sparkling blue water of the cenote below. Take in the cracks and crevices of the limestone surrounding this large underground body of water, 72 feet (22 meters) long by 78 feet (24 meters) wide and a maximum depth of 88 feet (27 meters). Jump in from the wooden platform to refresh yourself in the cool fresh water, just be sure to not use any sunscreen as the oils can damage the delicate ecosystem.
After about 30 minutes you will again board the transportation and return to the city center of Progreso, where you are free to return to your cruise ship on the free shuttle or explore the city on your own before returning (time allowing).
